A good term… • Temporary Autonomous Zones (TAZ). • Phrase created by
theorist Hakim Bey to describe 'free spaces' where normal mainstream rules don't
...
We-Media and Collective Identity in the Pre-Digital Age
Is ‘We-Media’ possible without digital technology and the internet?
How can we answer this? Looking at subcultures and trying to identify similar patterns of • • • • •
consumption production Distribution Marketing and exchange.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC hP1uzjZnE
Islington Squatter Punk Documentary YouTube
What are the similarities between punk and hip hop subcultures?
Consumption • Audiences consume at live, social events (reinforces collective identity of marginalised groups) • ‘Mixtapes’ and bootlegs of live performances so music can spread beyond one location • Fanzines encourage sense of solidarity
PRODUCTION Non-professionals creating their own music (and fashion, choreography, press).
Distribution • Live shows or block parties attract audience to social events • Mixtapes, bootlegs – and fashion, art, fanzines – sold at events. • Not controlled by traditional music institutions (yet)
Marketing • Word of mouth (intensifies sense of community) • Fanzines review and recommend music
What do all these subcultures have in common?
A good term… • Temporary Autonomous Zones (TAZ) • Phrase created by theorist Hakim Bey to describe ‘free spaces’ where normal mainstream rules don’t apply • Fans can be united by their love of a specific type of media (music, film, TV show) ignored/disapproved of by the mainstream • They then form their TAZ to gather, socialise, exchange their own DIY media. Choose one subculture – how did they form a TAZ?
Further Reading • Clay Shirky: ‘Here Comes Everybody’ or his website: http://www.shirky.com/ • Charles Leadbetter: ‘We-Think’ http://www.wethinkthebook.net/home.aspx • Henry Jenkins ‘Textual Pochers’ http://henryjenkins.org/ • Dick Hebdige ‘Subculture: the meaning of style’ • Simon Reynolds ‘Energy Flash: a journey through rave music and dance culture’